Eastern Canada - Store opinions - Sweet Pete's versus Chain Reaction

Hi,

I'm about to pull the trigger on a performance hybrid - probably a Giant Rapid 3. Hoping to take some final test rides this weekend. Just wondering if anyone has opinions on the service provided by the two stores I'm considering - Chain Reaction in Etobicoke and Sweet Pete's on Bloor.

Info like after sales service, the strength of their service support (CR offers 3 years of free service and SP offers 2 years, CR offers a "lifetime warranty" although I don't really know what that means, both offer a fit).

Thanks,

J

I can't speak for Chain Reaction but I bot an entry level trek MTB at Sweet Pete's a couple years back. The front shocks crapped out after about 10 months. After several go arounds it took them about a month to to get it worked out for me,

At the end of the day I think Pete's ate the cost of the replacement 'cause RST wouldn't warranty them. I use the bike to commute so it sucked to be out the bike for a month while Pete's fought with Trek on the warranty.

No experience with Chain Reaction.
However, a friend of mine got his Trek hybrid from SP a couple of years ago and I think he was satisfied with the purchase and after sales service (i.e., couple of follow-up tune ups). I got my beater mountain bike tuned up there as well and they were always friendly/helpful.

thanks for the replies so far.

anyone dealt with chain reaction?

j

My wife and I bought our first bikes at Sweet Pete's last summer. We were total noobs, and we had a very good experience - we took up a lot of their time and they were patient with us and explained everything to us that we asked about. The shop has a positive vibe that I like. I would definitely go back if I were buying another bike, though I would probably try for a cool or drizzly weekday, as the shop gets quite busy on weekends.

After sales service has been competent - neither exceptional nor poor.

I don't have any experience with Chain Reaction.

You might consider Cycle Solutions on Parliament.

Sweet Pete's was one of the places I considered when purchasing. I have bought a bunch of stuff there and find their attitude kind of tiresome.

You might consider Cycle Solutions on Parliament.

Sweet Pete's was one of the places I considered when purchasing. I have bought a bunch of stuff there and find their attitude kind of tiresome.

When you say "attitude", do you mean that in the classic dictionary definition sense of the word, or are you referring to the kind of "attitude" that a sassy thirteen year old might give to her parents?

I bought my road bike at Chain Reaction. Good service and yearly they have a no-tax sale. Got my CAAD9 for a great deal at that time.
Since I do most of my own wrenching I haven't been back for a tune-up yet, but I'll let you know if I decide to :)

When you say "attitude", do you mean that in the classic dictionary definition sense of the word, or are you referring to the kind of "attitude" that a sassy thirteen year old might give to her parents?

I mean the tone that he service staff generally give when doing something simple like taking my bike to fix a flat. Sweet Pete's is not really all that sweet.